Proliferation indices and p53-immunocytochemistry in uterine mixed mullerian tumors

Histol Histopathol. 1997 Oct;12(4):967-72.

Abstract

Mixed mullerian tumor (MMT) is a biphasic malignancy of elderly women. It, including both a carcinomatous and a sarcomatous component (CC and SC), is regarded as a female genital tract carcinosarcoma (FGTCS). Since current methods to grade CC and SC are not still univocal, the authors estimate mitotic index (MI) and MIB 1-immunolabeling index (MIB 1-LI) as common prognostic indices for the MMT components. They also compare above prognostic indices with p-53 immunocytochemistry, in MMTs. The present study thus points out that: (a) MI of CC and SC areas is consistent with the respective conventional tumor grades; (b) MI averages of CC are higher than those observed in the SC areas; (c) MI and MIB 1-LI of the CC-tumor cells correlate reciprocally in a very significant fashion; (d) A diffuse strong p53 nuclear immunostaining (> 50% cells) is often patent where the highest MI and MIB 1-LI are found. In conclusion, the authors propose MI and MIB 1-LI as two complementary useful indices to assess prognosis of MMTs. They also suggest p53 nuclear immunolabeling should be regarded as an independent biomarker of unfavourable MMT behaviour.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Nuclear
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitotic Index
  • Mixed Tumor, Mullerian / metabolism
  • Mixed Tumor, Mullerian / pathology*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Nuclear
  • Biomarkers
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53